Inmate dies after brutal assault in Santa Clara County jail

In a tragic and disturbing incident, a 22-year-old inmate named Oscar Umulxicay succumbed to injuries he sustained after a violent assault at the Elmwood Correctional Facility located in Milpitas, California. The attack occurred on January 27, during which Umulxicay was found unconscious by a deputy conducting a routine welfare check. Immediate medical assistance was called, and he was rushed to a local hospital where he underwent surgery for severe traumatic head injuries. Despite medical intervention, Umulxicay died from his injuries on February 6, raising significant concerns about safety and oversight within the facility. Following the incident, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office identified three suspects: 18-year-old Jose Rufino, 38-year-old Jordan Haase, and 41-year-old Pedro Arevalos, all of whom are current inmates at the facility. The trio has been charged with murder and torture in connection with the attack on Umulxicay. Reports indicate that the violent episode took place in a large, open dormitory setting characterized by rows of metal bunk beds, which provided minimal separation and privacy for inmates, contributing to a volatile environment. Sheriff Robert Jonsen commented on the situation, expressing condolences to Umulxicay's family and emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures within the facility. He noted that this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the correctional system in ensuring inmate safety and well-being. As a response to the violent confrontation, Sheriff Jonsen pledged to cooperate fully with relevant authorities in a comprehensive investigation aimed at holding those responsible accountable, and measures are being implemented to prevent future incidents. Detectives are currently looking into whether the attack was gang-related, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. The sheriff's office has stated that preliminary findings suggest that routine welfare checks were conducted in a timely manner, indicating that protocols were in place at the time of the attack. As the justice process unfolds, Rufino, Haase, and Arevalos have been transferred to the Santa Clara County Main Jail and are scheduled to appear in court for a plea hearing on April 14.